SA stars secure Australian move

Banyana Banyana duo Refiloe Jane and Rhoda Mulaudzi have made history after securing a move to Australian club Canberra United.

The club on Monday confirmed the signing of the South African pair, who had been on trial in Canberra. They became the first South African women to sign for an Australian top-flight club.

“In their short time here in Canberra Fifi and Rhoda have been very impressive,” head coach Heather Garriock said.

“It was hard for them to get here, and then to come in to a different environment and play but they have done very well to adapt and really stood out to me.

“Fifi’s technical ability in midfield is simply outstanding, and in Rhoda I can see the pace and aggression that I’m looking for up front.”

Jane, 26, represented Banyana at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, and captained South Africa in last year’s Cosafa Cup success, with the Tshwane University of Technology midfielder revealing her excitement at her move abroad.

“I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity at Canberra United,” she said. “I am looking forward to the season and making the most of this chance.”

Mulaudzi, a 28-year-old striker form Mamelodi Sundowns, says the move is a dream come true for her.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for us,” she said. “It all feels like a dream [getting a contract], but I can see it is reality.”

The duo will feature in the Westfield W-League, Australia’s nine-team top-flight league, with the 2018/19 season set to start in late October.

Canberra finished fifth last season, and are two-time winners of the league – which only started in 2008 – having last lifted the trophy in the 2014/15 season.

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